In presenting to the public the following selection from Mr. Venn's Correspondence, it will be necessary to make a few preliminary remarks.

Mr. Venn never preserved copies of the letters he wrote. I have therefore been indebted to the kindness of numerous friends, to whom I beg to offer my most grateful acknowledgments, for a very large collection of original letters, amounting to above a thousand in number, and extending over a period of above forty years. Out of these, I have selected about one-fourth part for publication. In making this selection, I have been guided by two considerations: First, I have chosen those which appeared to possess the greatest intrinsic excellence; and, in the next place, those which might serve to exemplify the character of an eminently pious minister, in his family and parish. The latter consideration must plead my apology for preserving the mention of many domestic circumstances, which would otherwise be utterly unworthy of public notice. However trivial and unimportant such circumstances may appear in themselves, the sentiments and feelings, to which they gave rise, will, I trust, find a response in the breast of every pious parent, and faithful minister.

With the view of sustaining the interest with which the letters will be read, I have preserved, in general, a chronological arrangement. I have also ventured to intersperse explanatory and connecting remarks; avoiding, however, the repetition of matter which has already appeared in the Memoir.